Pubdate: Fri, 17 Feb 2017
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: The Hamilton Spectator
Page: A6

TWO CHARGED AFTER POLICE RAID PAIR OF MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

A 28-year-old man is facing drug trafficking charges after police
raided his east-end Hamilton medical marijuana dispensary Tuesday.

Officers from Hamilton police's vice and drugs unit executed a search
warrant at MMJ Canada - located at 146 Ottawa St. N. - around 1 p.m.
and said they found about $100,000 worth of marijuana and marijuana
products, including edibles.

"It was determined that the operator of this dispensary was committing
the criminal acts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
marijuana and THC because they were selling or giving away marijuana
or marijuana derivatives from their location," police said in a release.

Police have charged the 28-year-old business owner, who is from Quebec
but lives in Hamilton, with possession of marijuana, THC and cannabis
resin for the purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime under $5,000.

The man was released on a promise to appear in court to answer to the
charges, police said.

On the same day, Halton police raided Burlington dispensary Budtanica
Pain Relief Group at 5125 Harvester Rd., Unit 1.

Officers from the street crime unit executed a search warrant. Police
said they seized six pounds of marijuana, about $27,000 worth of
edibles and $2,800 in cash. Altogether, $67,000 worth of drugs was
confiscated, police said.

"As a result of the investigation, police were able to determine that
the majority of individuals attending this dispensary to purchase
marijuana did not have medical marijuana licences," Halton police said
in a news release.

Police have charged a 24-year-old Hamilton man with possession of
marijuana and cannabis resin for the purpose of tracking.

He was released on a promise to appear in Milton court on March 14.
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MAP posted-by: Matt